Notes negative responses of contemporary Americans to fantasy literature. Notes that as the prejudice against fantasy literature diminished, more American children's authors began working in this area. Suggests that perhaps the real reason so many Americans have attempted to suppress fantasy literature for children is because they fear the…

In this paper I shall describe the psychotherapeutic treatment of a 14-year-old boy, who suffered from mild Asperger's syndrome. This adolescent had a multiplicity of imaginary friends, which protected him from catastrophic feelings of loneliness and deadness, but at the same time interfered with the possibility of establishing meaningful…

There is a wealth of material in the oral tradition of fantasy which can be used in creating gripping fiction for young readers. One way of employing a tale from the oral tradition to produce a modern fantasy is to superimpose the old story on a new one in such a way that it is tightly interwoven in the action and meaning of the new story. This…

Suggestions are made to teachers for using daydreaming, guided as fantasy, to prepare students to concentrate, to enrich the curriculum, and to increase self-knowledge. (Author/SJL)

Discusses the books of Tolkien according to six basic movements in plot; warns against trying to use these books for classroom instruction. (MAI)

Horse drawings by female children are analyzed. The construction of meaning in children's drawing frequently remains as much in the child's mind as it is graphically expressed. Educators must develop an appreciation for children's fantasy worlds and the ways these worlds both mirror and transform their lives. (RM)

Presents a series of classroom exercises and activities that stimulate children's creativity through the use of visualization. Discusses procedures for guided imagery and offers some examples of "trips" to imaginary places. Proposes visualization as a warm-up exercise before art lessons. (DR)

Author indulges in a flight of whimsey over a tongue-in-cheek pipe dream he has had on counseling. (Author)

A review of the growth and development of science fiction literature and the ways in which it relates all cultures and reflects the comtemporary world. (RB)

Mothers' and fathers' beliefs and attitudes regarding pretend play were examined as a function of whether their children had imaginary companions and their children's gender. Parents (73 mothers, 40 fathers) were surveyed about their children's pretend play, their attitudes toward pretense, and the environments they provided for their children's…

In four experiments, 4-, 5-, 6- and 9-year-old children and adults were tested on the entrenchment of their magical beliefs and their beliefs in the universal power of physical causality. In Experiment 1, even 4-year-olds showed some understanding of the difference between ordinary and anomalous (magical) causal events, but only 6-year-olds and…

Research Findings: This study content analyzed 29 frequently used children's books in pre-kindergarten through 3rd-grade classrooms. Although the books included European and African American literature, none of the 29 books addressed other ethnic groups in the United States, and only two included international perspectives. Male and middle…

This description of the development of imagination and fantasy in children outlines how children view their fantasies, imaginings, imaginary companions, and lies at different stages of development. Main topics include (1) the purposes of fantasy; (2) fantasy in preschool children; (3) imaginative games and dramas; (4) promotion or inhibition of…

The books listed in this annotated bibliography are tales of fantasy and have the elements of real magic, enchantment, an imaginary world, internal logic or laws, heroes, a quest, and good versus evil. Entries, listed alphabetically by author, include the title, publisher, date, price, and a brief description of the literary work. Lists of sources…